Quality Charter
Quality Charter of the Union of Wine Wood Producers
This charter embodies the strong and shared commitment of the members of the Union of Oenological Wood Producers to provide their clients with reliable, traceable products that meet the highest oenological standards. It is based on a foundation of best practices, showcases the expertise of our members, ensures the quality of the wood used, and guarantees complete transparency in our relationships with partners across the industry.
1
Nature of the products concerned
This charter applies to oenological woods in the following forms:
• Powders, granulates, and chips: products obtained by mechanical fragmentation of wood into small pieces,
• Staves: wood pieces obtained by sawing, in a parallelepiped shape,
• Barrel inserts,
• Other forms: cubes, spheres, or any other format produced by sawing, turning, or machining.
2
Quality of the raw material
The woods used meet strict quality criteria, shared by all our members:
• Exclusively new wood: our products come only from the first transformation of wood, without the use of reclaimed timber,
• Sound and carefully selected wood: each batch is rigorously sorted to exclude any wood showing defects (mold, decay, etc.),
• Use of heartwood only: only wood free of sapwood and bark is used,
• Food compliance: all woods meet the requirements for food contact.
3
Maturation and toasting
The drying and thermal treatment stages are carried out with the highest respect for oenological requirements:
• Natural air drying for at least 12 months (maturation, refinement), without artificial drying,
• Controlled toasting, without chemical additives, to preserve the authenticity and aromatic finesse of the wood,
• No wood undergoes combustion, even superficial, nor any enzymatic or physical treatment other than toasting,
• Our products contain no additives intended to alter their natural properties (aromas or phenolic compounds),
• Compliance with regulatory thresholds ensures the absence of health risks,
• Each batch is subject to rigorous quality monitoring to guarantee consistency and oenological performance.
4
Quality of packaging
Our packaging is designed to preserve product quality while respecting the environment:
• Suitable for food contact, without odor or taste transfer,
• Clear and informative : each package carries precise product information, compliant with regulations, ensuring complete transparency for the user,
• As part of our CSR (Corporate Social Responsability) approach, we commit to choosing and promoting more environmentally friendly solutions, encouraging the development of recyclable packaging, and favoring, whenever possible, manufacturers with sustainable production methods.
5
Traceability
SPBO members commit to complying with current regulations on the traceability of products intended for food use.
• Traceability is ensured from raw wood to the finished product through a rigorous identification system,
• Each member is able to provide their clients, upon request, with documents certifying this traceability.
6
Environmental commitment
Our members adopt a deliberately responsible approach that respects resources:
• Reduction of waste, recovery of wood offcuts, and optimization of logistics,
• Encouragement of the use of wood from PEFC-certified, sustainably managed forests.
7
Regulatory compliance
• Food safety
All our products strictly comply with current regulations as well as food and hygiene standards.
Their production is based on HACCP principles to guarantee both safety and quality.
Our processes meet the requirements for food safety, particularly regarding potential contaminants such as PAHs, haloanisoles, and halophenols.
Strict hygiene and safety procedures, regularly updated, ensure both product compliance and a healthy working environment for our employees.
• Specific regulation for oenological woods
SPBO members commit to complying with the specific provisions applicable to oenological woods, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/934.
8
Ethics and commitment of members
By signing this charter, members express their determination to ensure optimal quality and commit to taking all necessary measures to uphold these commitments, thereby contributing to the reputation of the entire sector.
Conclusion
Through this charter, our union reaffirms its commitment to providing wineries and professionals with oenological woods of impeccable quality, environmentally respectful, safe for consumers, and representative of authentic know-how. By working with our members, you choose partners who are dedicated, passionate, and committed to excellence.